There are plenty of reasons to move a radiator: you might be redecorating, adding a door, or simply improving a room's heating efficiency.

But whatever the reason, you'll need a Gas Safe-registered plumber or a certified electrician for the work.

This guide covers the average cost to move a radiator in the UK in 2026, what affects the price, and when it makes sense to move versus replace.

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How much does it cost to move a radiator?

The cost to move a radiator to another wall can be anywhere between £150 - £400 depending on whether the plumber needs to run a new pipe through the floor or ceiling.

However, if you're only moving the radiator a few inches, this will reduce the cost, as less new pipework will be needed.

Let's look at the costs more closely to give you the full picture.

Hourly rates for moving a radiator

On average, a plumber costs £40 - £60 per hour, depending on the work involved. The rate you pay will also depend on the individual plumber, their experience, and where you live in the country.

If the move involves an electric radiator that needs hardwiring, electrician rates will apply for that part of the work. Which brings us to...

Cost of moving an electric radiator

Moving electric radiators is often as simple as unplugging them, choosing a location that isn't near any home furnishings, and plugging them back in.

However, if the electric radiator is hardwired into the wall, or you'd like it to be hardwired in the new location, it's recommended you hire an electrician:

• Moving an electric radiator costs around £40 per hour, with the exact time and cost varying depending on how accessible an electric connection is at the new location

• If the electric radiator requires a new dedicated circuit at the new location or extensive new wiring, an electrician's day rate of around £400 may apply

You can find out more in our electric radiator cost guide.

Or for an exact quote, why not download our mobile app to connect with electricians or plumbers in your area that we've checked and reviewed.

Not quite ready to contact a tradesperson? Read on for more about the costs of moving a radiator, or try our cost calculator below for an instant estimate.

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Cost of adding a radiator

Has your existing radiator seen better days? Or perhaps you've realised you can't fit the old radiator in the new location, and you need to replace it with two smaller radiators in different places instead.

Adding a new radiator with thermostatic valves and radiator tails will cost around £590. This is based on the cost of £40 - £400 for the radiator.

Just remember to check your boiler has sufficient capacity and whether your heating system is suitable to cater for the additional radiator. If you're planning a wider upgrade, our central heating installation cost guide covers the full picture.

Radiator thermostat costs

Thermostatic valves and smart radiator thermostats let you control the temperature of each radiator, so you can turn it up or down depending on how much heat the room needs.

This can cut energy use in rooms that don't need as much warmth.

Thermostatic valves (materials only) can cost on average between £8 - £40, while smart radiator thermostats (materials only) can cost on average between £20 - £90.

Adding a new radiator complete with thermostatic valves and radiator tails will cost on average £590 for materials and labour.

Cost of dropping a radiator

If you only want the radiator removed temporarily and then put back in place, this can be done by 'dropping the radiator'. This is commonly done for painting and decorating jobs, so you can paint or wallpaper behind the radiator.

Temporarily removing (dropping) a radiator costs around £125 on average and can be carried out in one of two ways.

A rotating radiator system (such as Rotarad) uses safety wires to gently lower the radiator to floor level. This way, it doesn't have to be completely removed.

Alternatively, you can follow the same steps as in the 'cost of moving a radiator' section above and simply reinstall the radiator in the original location when you're done.

What affects the cost of moving a radiator?

The cost of moving a radiator depends on several factors, including:

• Type of radiator – Electric radiators are often quicker and cheaper to move than central heating radiators

• Distance moved – The further the radiator is moved from the existing pipework, the more labour and materials will be needed

• Pipework route – Running new pipes beneath floorboards is usually straightforward, but routing them through ceilings or walls takes longer and costs more

• Floor type – Lifting floorboards is generally easier than cutting channels into concrete floors, which adds time and expense

• Radiator size – Larger or heavier radiators can take longer to remove and reinstall, increasing labour costs

• Bleeding and testing the system – Once the radiator has been moved, the heating system will need to be refilled, bled and tested to make sure it's working properly (this is typically included in the installation cost)

Additional costs to consider

A few extra jobs or add-ons may crop up when moving a radiator, which can increase the overall cost, such as:

• Stud wall reinforcement – Extra timber supports may be needed when fixing a radiator to a stud wall

• Making good – Filling holes, repainting walls and minor flooring repairs after the work is complete

• Magnetic filter – Fitting one while the heating system is drained helps remove sludge and protect your boiler

• Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) – A cost-effective upgrade if you're already moving the radiator

That's why it's always best to request a fully itemised quote from a tradesperson, so you know exactly what's included in the job.

Finding a plumber near you

Use our quick and easy request a quote feature and we will get experienced local plumbers to contact you directly. To get accurate quotes, be as detailed as you can:

• Confirm whether the radiator is a central heating or electric model

• Measure the radiator and note the distance to the nearest pipework

• Describe the new location, including the floor type (timber or concrete)

• Let the plumber know if you need the old location made good (filled and painted)

• Ask whether fitting Thermostatic Radiator Valves at the same time is included in the quote

Keen to speak to someone right away? Contact local plumbers that we've checked and reviewed below:

Why use Checkatrade?

• Checked - Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Guaranteed - Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million verified reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade on everything from communication, tidiness, timekeeping, and quality of work

Move radiator cost checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you've covered everything before your plumber arrives.

Move a radiator: Cost checklist

• Check the plumber is Gas Safe registered before work starts on any central heating radiator

• Confirm the tradesperson holds public liability insurance to cover any accidental damage

• Get at least three quotes before committing to a plumber

• Ask what's included in the quote, specifically whether making good (filling, plastering, painting) is covered

• Make sure to mention the floor type (timber or concrete) before getting quotes, as concrete floors add cost

• Ask to see examples of previous similar jobs and check reviews before hiring

Need help maintaining your home’s heating? Whether it’s with finding costs or advice on choosing the best radiators for your home, at Checkatrade, we’re here to help.

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